Breakdowns Very Far From Home

What to Do When Things Go Wrong on the Road

Traveling on the road in your car or rig brings freedom and adventure, but sometimes, things break down when you least expect it. Being stranded far from home can be a stressful experience, but knowing what steps to take can turn a potential emergency into a simple inconvenience. Here’s what you can do when things go wrong out on the road:

What You Can Do Before the Breakdown Hits

One of the best ways to ease your mind when breaking down far from home is to be proactive in your preparation. Start by saving a nest egg for those “when” breakdowns happen, not just “if.” Having this cushion will allow you to handle unexpected situations without turning them into full-blown crises. Being ready means you can turn a stressful moment into a minor inconvenience, giving you peace of mind and control over the situation.

Here’s a few ideas for how you can prepare ahead of time to make the experience less stressful:

Save for Unexpected Costs
Having enough money set aside for a flight home, a hotel, or a rental car can be a game-changer when something goes wrong. This isn’t just a safety net—it’s your freedom to get back on your feet quickly. Additionally, if you have a friend or family member you can rely on, having enough funds for a rental car to get to their place could make all the difference.
Build Your Community
This might seem like an afterthought, but building a network of people who understand the nomadic lifestyle can be invaluable. Attend events, join groups, and make connections. Being kind and proactive in meeting people can provide you with a support system when you’re miles from home.

Option 1: Stay at the Towed Location

If your vehicle breaks down and you’re towed to a spot, one option is to stay right where you are. Sometimes, the tow company may offer you a place on the edge of their property or a quieter spot to park. It may not be the most picturesque, but it can work. Be sure to communicate clearly with the towing company or property owner. Let them know you plan to call for a rental car the next day, and assure them that you won’t be in their way. Also, make it clear that you won’t be dumping anything, cooking, or causing any other inconvenience.

Option 2: Get a Hotel Room or Airbnb

If staying at the towed location doesn’t feel right for you, another option is to book a hotel room or an Airbnb nearby. Depending on the severity of the issue and your location, this might be a more comfortable choice. Having a space to relax, take a shower, and get some rest while you wait for repairs or figure out your next steps can be a huge stress reliever. Look for places that offer flexible booking, in case the situation takes longer than expected. Plus, a hotel or Airbnb could be a great place to recharge and feel more grounded while you’re dealing with the logistics of getting your rig back on the road.

Option 3: Rent a Car or U-Haul, and Remove Items from Your Rig

In the unfortunate event that your rig is deemed a total loss or requires extensive repairs that would take too long, another option is to rent a car or a U-Haul. You can use this to transport essential items like your mattresses, solar components, clothes, food, and water from your rig and head home or to your next stop. Renting a U-Haul, in particular, can give you the flexibility to move your belongings without stress and even give you a temporary place to sleep.

This may feel like a big step, but it’s an option you can consider if the situation calls for it. For instance, if you’re involved in an accident and your bus is beyond repair, having a U-Haul ready allows you to salvage what’s important. You can continue your journey or return home, all while keeping your essential belongings safe. Having enough saved for this type of situation can give you peace of mind when you’re on the road.

AAA or Coach-Net to the Rescue

One of the best ways to ease your mind when breaking down far from home is having a reliable roadside assistance service. Options like AAA or Coach-Net are fantastic for getting you off the road and to a repair location. Many insurance companies also offer towing services, and groups like Good Sam sometimes have similar services, though the experiences with those aren’t always as positive as with AAA or Coach-Net.

A Scanner Is Your Best Friend

A must-have for any road traveler is an OBD2 scanner. Most vehicles use this to help identify issues before they leave you stranded. Even if you’re not a mechanic, having one of these can be a lifesaver. If you have a friend or family member who works at a shop, you can give them the “code” from your scanner, and they may be able to direct you to a fix, saving you time and stress. Knowing the issue is 90% of the battle when it comes to getting your vehicle repaired.

Remember, cars don’t typically break down without warning. There’s usually a noise, warning light, or odd behavior before things go wrong, so keep an ear out and be alert to potential issues.

Breakdowns are not planned. Pack a Bag and Be Prepared

While you wait for a tow or a mechanic, it’s wise to have a bag packed and ready to go. Think about this ahead of time. When you’re sitting by a campfire or relaxing by a creek, ask yourself, “If I had to leave quickly, what would I need?” It’s not about worrying, but about being prepared. Running through this in your mind when it’s not an emergency can calm your nerves and make things much easier if you ever do face a breakdown. A jump bag with essentials like toiletries, some clothes, snacks, and money can make all the difference in a stressful situation.

Uber to the Auto Parts Store

Depending on your situation, you may be able to Uber to a local auto parts store, grab the parts you need, and Uber back to your rig to get the repairs done. It might cost a little, but it’s often a more cost-effective option than waiting days for a tow. Sometimes, it’s possible to get back on the road faster if you have the right parts in hand.

Make Breakdowns Easier to Manage. Get to Know Your Rig

The more familiar you are with your rig, the better. Learn the ins and outs of your vehicle—knowing when to limp to a repair shop and when to avoid moving it completely can save you a lot of headaches. Save money where you can by having roadside assistance and always having enough money in reserve to cover unexpected expenses like a hotel, rental car, or even a flight home.

In the case of a total loss (like an accident where your rig is no longer drivable), having enough saved to rent a U-Haul could be a lifesaver. You can load your valuables like mattresses, food, and solar components into the U-Haul and keep moving forward. This gives you a place to sleep and a way to transport your essential items until you can rebuild or make arrangements.

Build Your Community

I can’t stress this enough—build your community! The road can feel lonely at times, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Join online communities like She Travels Simple and attend events to connect with others who are also living life on the road. Be kind, network, and remember that kindness goes a long way when you need help or support.

Traveling and living on the road has its challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can handle whatever comes your way. Stay safe, stay kind, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You never know who might be there to lend a hand, and that’s one of the beautiful things about the nomadic lifestyle.

Safe travels, and remember to always be prepared for the journey ahead!

What to Do When Things Go Wrong on the Road